This blog creates a space for for social workers and therapists to share their favorite interventions, resources, activities, etc. If we all share the wealth of knowledge and experience we have then all of our clients benefit.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Sand Tray Themes

I created this chart in Pages. You just check off what themes you see in each sand tray your client does. This chart helps you to create a great visual of your client’s progress in therapy. Initially, check-marks are usually all clustered on the left, but as time goes one more and more drift over to the right. It is great to see.

Bridging: Connection between elements, joining of opposites; e.g., a ladder joins earth and tall trees; a bridge links an angel and devil.

Journeying: Movement along a path or around a center; e.g., a knight follows a trail, someone paddles a canoe down a stream.

Energy: Alive, vital, intense energy is visible; e.g., organic growth present, construction machines work on a task, airplanes take off from a runway.

Going Deeper: Discovery of a deeper dimension; e.g, a clearing is made, a treasure unearthed, a well dug, a lake explored.

Birthing: Emergence of new development; e.g., a baby is born, a flower opens, a bird lays eggs.

Nurturing: Nourishment or help are provided to support growth and development; e.g, a mother feeding babies, supportive family groups, nurse helps a patient, presence of food.

Changed: Sand and/or objects are creatively changed or used; e.g., sand is contoured to build a land bridge; sand is moved/stacked as an essential part of a lunar compound; a house is built from twigs picked up on walk to school.

About Me

I am a recent graduate of UCLA's MSW program and am soaking up all I can as a new practitioner. I am passionate about working with youth who have experienced trauma and hope that this blogs will help to continue my growth as a therapist

My Blog

This blog will mainly feature resources for social workers, free book offers and interventions/activities for working with children and adolescents (though any submissions are welcome!). I am also here to answer questions about social work/therapy or graduate school. Contact me at uclasocialworker@gmail.com